Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Visits Iveron and Vatopedi Monasteries at Mount Athos

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Iveron (Ibērōn) and Vatopedi monasteries during his official trip to the Athonite State. Following a formal welcome in Karyes, the administrative center of Mount Athos, Mitsotakis was received with solemnity and honors at the Vatopedi Monastery late Friday evening (04.07.2025), according to the strict protocol observed by the Holy Mountain. A special ‘Psalmody – Hymn for the Prime Minister’ was also performed in his honor. The visit included a formal address by the abbot of the monastery, Father Ephraim, followed by a response from the Prime Minister. He was then given a guided tour of the monastery and met with members of the monastic community. Earlier in the afternoon, Mitsotakis visited the Iveron Monastery, where he was similarly welcomed. An address was delivered by Elder Vassilios Gontikakis, followed by a reply from the Prime Minister, along with a guided tour and a meeting with the brotherhood. Late in the evening, he also visited Simonopetra Monastery, where he stayed overnight. On Saturday morning (05.07.2025), he is set to visit Xenophon Monastery before departing from Mount Athos.